Donda West cosmetic surgery law passed

A new law named after the mother of rap superstar Kanye West has been passed in California which will make cosmetic surgery in the state safer in the future.

The bill was passed this week by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and requires people to have a health check before going through with an operation.

While he was able to veto the bill in 2008, it was resubmitted this year and this time he chose to pass it.

Ensuring that patients are healthy enough to go through with surgery is a significant move to minimise any risks associated with operations, according to assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter.

She commented: "Sometimes patients may think they are well enough for cosmetic surgery, but in reality are not. This bill will potentially save lives."

The law was named after Donda West, whose son Kanye West is a high-flyer in the rap world, but was recently called a jackass by President Barack Obama following his behaviour at an MTV awards ceremony.